Council. CNL(15)34 (revised) Annual Progress Report on Actions Taken Under Implementation Plans for the Calendar Year 2014.

Transcription

1 Agenda Item 5.1 For Information Council CNL(15)34 (revised) Annual Progress Report on s Taken Under Implementation Plans for the Calendar Year 2014 EU UK (Scotland) Revised on 28 April 2015

2

3 CNL(15)34 (revised) Annual Progress Report on s taken under Implementation Plans for the Calendar Year 2014 The primary purposes of the Annual Progress Reports are to provide details of: any changes to the management regime for salmon and consequent changes to the Implementation Plan; actions that have been taken under the Implementation Plan in the previous year; significant changes to the status of stocks, and a report on catches; and actions taken in accordance with the provisions of the Convention These reports will be reviewed by the Council. Please complete this form and return it to the Secretariat by 1 April Party: Jurisdiction/Region: European Union UK (Scotland) 1: Changes to the Implementation Plan 1.1 Describe any proposed revisions to the Implementation Plan (Where changes are proposed, the revised Implementation Plans should be submitted to the Secretariat by 1 December). As agreed, we forwarded a revised Implementation Plan (IP) in December 2014 to ensure that the NASCO Secretariat has the current version of the IP and it could include any revised actions in the Annual Progress Report (APR) template. 1.2 Describe any major new initiatives or achievements for salmon conservation and management that you wish to highlight. Over the last six months the Scottish Government has pursued a number of initiatives, including secondary legislation which will protect Scottish stocks of spring salmon. The legislation which came into force before the start of the 2015 season and will run for five years, demonstrates the high value the Scottish Government places on conservation of wild Scottish salmon and other wild fish stocks. The Scottish Government has also launched a public consultation on statutory measures to introduce a licensing system for killing wild salmon with associated carcass tagging regulations, baits and lures regulations and charging provision. The consultation runs from 6 February to 30 April

4 In addition, and following the Report from the Wild Fisheries Review the Scottish Government announced in its Programme For Government that it would consult on broad policy options for a new management system in the Spring of this year followed by a consultation on a draft wild fisheries Bill before the end of the Parliamentary session. 2: Stock status and catches. 2.1 Provide a description of any new factors which may significantly affect the abundance of salmon stocks and, if there has been any significant change in stock status since the development of the Implementation Plan, provide a brief (200 word max) summary of these changes. To accompany and support the annual publication of statistics (detailed below) Marine Scotland produces a detailed report on the Status of Scottish Salmon and Sea Trout Stocks. Marine Scotland Science Report 01/15: Status of Scottish salmon and sea trout stocks 2014 may be downloaded from the Scottish Government website at Provide the following information on catches:(nominal catch equals reported quantity of salmon caught and retained in tonnes round fresh weight (i.e. weight of whole, ungutted, unfrozen fish) or round fresh weight equivalent ). (a) provisional nominal catch (which may be subject to revision) for 2014 (tonnes) (b) confirmed nominal catch of salmon for 2013 (tonnes) (c) estimated unreported catch for 2014 (tonnes) (d) number and percentage of salmon caught and released in recreational fisheries in In-river Estuarine Coastal Total 16.8 t (1SW = 40.6 t (1SW = 3.5 t, MSW = 14.7 t, MSW 13.3 t) = 25.9 t) 57.8 t) 26.0 t (1SW = 7.3 t, MSW 18.7 t) 43.1 t (1SW = 12.0, MSW = 31.1 t) 25.9 t (1SW = 11.8 t, MSW = 14.0 t) 50.1 t (1SW = 21.2 t, MSW = 28.9 t) Number: (1SW = 10713, MSW = 26426) Percentage: 82.2% (1SW = 75.7%, MSW = 85.2%) 83.3 t (1SW = 25.5 t, MSW = t (1SW = 45.0 t, MSW = 74.1 t) 11 t 4

5 3: Implementation Plan s. 3.1 Provide an update on progress against actions relating to the Management of Salmon Fisheries (Section 2.8 of the Implementation Plan). Note: The reports under Progress on to Date should provide a brief overview with a quantitative measure of progress made. While referring to additional material (e.g. via links to websites) may assist those seeking more detailed information, this will not be evaluated by the Review Group. F1: Description of (a) Instigate an independent review of the management of salmon and freshwater fisheries in Scotland with the aim of creating a management system which is robust, sustainable and fit for purpose in the 21 st century. Progress on to Date (b) Commission independent research to provide an overview of the economic and financial contribution of wild fisheries in Scotland. (a) Modernised management system which has greater alignment of responsibility with accountability and facilitates management of fisheries in context of modern requirements and challenges. (b) Updated baseline information covering the economic value of salmon and freshwater fisheries, including rod and line fisheries and salmon netting, which can be used to inform future policy development. (a)the review commenced in March 2014 and reported to Scottish Ministers on 8 October Coarse/fishreview/WFRFinal Regular updates on its progress have been published on the Review Webpage. Scottish Ministers have been considering the recommendations within the Report and will consult on broad policy options for a new management system in the Spring of this year followed by a consultation on a draft wild fisheries Bill before the end of the Parliamentary session The WFR report recommended urgent action by the Scottish Government to improve the regulation of killing of Atlantic salmon. The Scottish Government acted quickly to consult on proposed conservation measures to introduce a ban on killing wild salmon except under licence, make associated baits and lures regulations and introduce carcass tagging to support enforcement of the licensing system 5

6 F2: Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of Progress on to Date (b) Independent research has been commissioned and is currently underway to provide an overview of the economic and financial contribution of wild fisheries in Scotland. This is expected to Report by June 2015 and will inform the planned consultation on a draft wild fisheries Bill. (a) Ongoing and on target. (b) Ongoing and on target. (a) Implementation of local fishery management plans with agreed actions to monitor, mitigate and improve conditions for salmon. (b) Develop Scottish salmon counter network to improve assessment of salmon stocks. (a) Determination of the need for changes to regulatory controls or other measures on salmon fishing by nets and rods and implementation of changes. (b) The project should provide the information required to plan a strategic counter network. It is anticipated that data gathered from a future counter network, together with local biological information, would allow local stock recruitment relationships to be derived (from which CLs can be estimated) and measures of spawning escapement to be obtained (a) Regular monitoring and reporting of progress (b) Project funding was secured last year to investigate the engineering requirements, technology options, costs of deploying and running counters in different environmental settings in Scotland. Regular updates are considered by a steering group established to monitor development. Considerable interest has been shown by a number of Boards/Trusts to be part of any future counter network. On-going consideration of funding resource going forward. 6

7 F3: Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of Ongoing project leads scheduled to provide a draft report by end July. (a) Develop Scottish salmon counter network to improve assessment of salmon stocks and aid development of meaningful CLs and assessment of spawning escapement (see F2). (b) Develop methods to aid assessment of the precise nature of MSFs. F4: Progress on to Date Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of (c) Scoping work on better understanding marine migration routes. (a-c) Improved data on salmon stocks and populations facilitates fisheries management planning, including management of MSFs. (a) see F2. (b) Peer reviewed report on the use of genetics to identify regions of origin of salmon will be submitted next month. (c) Paper has been published on migration of adult salmon in Scottish coastal waters and scoping work will commence on migration routes for smolts during the coming year. (a) Ongoing the project scheduled to be completed by June (b) (c) ongoing (a) On going DSFB fulfilment of obligations to enhance and protect salmon fisheries (including enforcement of legislation). Activities will vary depending on nature of problems but focus on disruption and intervention of illegal fishing, including intelligence-led enforcement in partnership with Police Scotland Wildlife Crime Officers and the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime. Work with DSFBs and IFM in developing tools and training for enforcement, including improving national coordination of enforcement. (b) Scottish Government currently considering proposals around carcass tagging along with the 7

8 recommendation detailed within the Report concerning a licensing system for killing wild salmon. Progress on to Date (a) Improve professionalism and national coordination in salmon fisheries enforcement. (b)reduced illegal fishing and corresponding response in salmon stocks. (a) Regular monitoring of requirements on DSFBs under the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) 2013 to report on fulfilment of their statutory obligations suggests a significant amount of developing activity. The ASFB Annual Report suggests that that in nets were seized and 164 offence reported F5: Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of Further action to be taken forward under the auspices of the Wild Fisheries Reform programme, with a planned consultation on broad policy options for a new management system in the Spring of this year. (b) The Scottish Government has now launched a public consultation on statutory measures to introduce a licensing system for killing wild salmon with associated carcass tagging regulations, baits and lures regulations and charging provision (a) ongoing and on target (b) Ongoing carcass tagging is scheduled to be introduced for the 2016 season alongside a licencing system for killing wild salmon. (a) Development and implementation of monitoring/research strategy for potential marine renewable and salmonid interactions. (b) Through the Ministerial Group for Sustainable Aquaculture (MGSA) machinery and its working groups, helping to ensure that any growth of aquaculture in Scotland is sustainable within the wider Marine environment. (c) Scottish Government and salmon farming industry match-funded research through the Scottish Aquaculture Research forum (SARF) into any measurable impact from sea lice in a Scottish context. (d) enhanced industry-led voluntary sea lice reporting over 30 river catchment areas. 8

9 (e) Marine Scotland is undertaking a 3-year project to identify areas of opportunity and restriction for aquaculture which will include consideration of the risk to wild salmonids. (f) Scottish Government and SEPA funded work to improve auto DEPOMOD modelling tool to further enhance the sensitivity of the tool for SEPA discharge consents. (g) Scottish Government funded research to develop shelf modelling and sea lice dispersal modelling. (h) Scotland s Aquaculture Database and Website was developed in partnership by Marine Scotland, The Crown Estate, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and The Food Standards Agency in Scotland. This brings together data collected by regulators about Aquaculture in Scotland and makes it accessible through a data search tool and an interactive map. The website went live in October (i) Marine Scotland s FHI have proactively published operational activity since October Progress on to Date Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? (a) Investigation of potential impacts of marine renewable energy generation on Atlantic salmon. (b - h) framework to enable delivery of industry sustainable aquaculture growth targets by 2020 with due regard to the marine environment. Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) launched on 20 June Priority Innovation s identified included improved sea lice control. Industry s enhanced, voluntary quarterly publication of sea lice data available at: (a) ongoing (b) (h) ongoing 9

10 3.2 Provide an update on progress against actions relating to Habitat Protection and Restoration (Section 3.4 of the Implementation Plan). Note: The reports under Progress on to Date should provide a brief overview with a quantitative measure of progress made. While referring to additional material (e.g. via links to websites) may assist those seeking more detailed information, this will not be evaluated by the Review Group. H1: Description of Progress on to Date Implement Climate Change Adaptation Plans (produced by both government and private sector). a) MSS to implement a national river temperature monitoring strategy for salmon rivers in collaboration with CAMERAS (co-ordinated agenda for marine, environment and rural affairs science) partners and local fishery trusts. b) National temperature monitoring network to be used to identify areas of the river network that will be (1) sensitive to climate induced temperature change and (2) appropriate for management action. c) Riparian shade to be increased in sensitive and appropriate water bodies, through collaborative projects undertaken by DSFBs and/or fisheries trusts. d) Influence decisions in the next round of Scottish Water investment plans to ensure climate resilience for both water abstractions and wastewater management, and ensure that due regard is given to their impact on the environment. e) Ensure climate change is considered within strategic environment planning frameworks (eg RBMPs, Common Agriculture Policy (CAP ) reform). f) Support the development and regulation of scientifically justifiable and robust thermal standards for freshwater, transitional and coastal (TraC) waters to manage the impact of industries including power generation. The overall aim is to moderate the effects of climate change in waterbodies through landscape, landuse and discharge management. Local experimental monitoring plans are being put in place on selected rivers (e.g. Dee) where riparian planting is planned in collaboration between MSS and local Fisheries Boards / Trusts. This monitoring will assess changes in stream energy budget (the processes controlling stream temperature), stream temperature, shading and salmon abundance in relation to riparian planting using a robust Before and After Control Intervention (BACI) experimental design. This will allow for assessment of the efficacy of management actions and inform future decisions using improved physical and biological models. 10

11 H2: H3: Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of Progress on to Date Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of (a) (f) Ongoing Improve river connectivity through the identification and easing / removal of barriers. a) A joint dataset has been developed by SEPA, MSS and local fisheries trusts that builds on previous barrier mapping exercises by MSS. This dataset is used to identify where there are currently barriers to migration. In combination with the MSS salmon distribution map and local fisheries management plans, barriers can be prioritised for easement or removal. Fish passage is also a requirement of Good Ecological Potential (GEP) under WFD, so there is a general expectation that those activities causing a barrier to migration will be required to fund appropriate solutions (subject to cost and benefits see above). Funding for barrier removal can come from a variety of local, national and EU sources. The SEPA restoration fund has some guaranteed resources for habitat improvement over the period and barrier removal is associated with high priority subject to assessment of costs and benefits. b) Wider Scottish Government support for the RAFTS Barrier Easement Programme including funding for a central coordination and support to project development role. a) Improvements to fish movement allowing greater access throughout rivers, and more water bodies meeting Good Ecological Status/Potential. Where complete barrier removal is carried out, the expected improvements are self-evident and no monitoring is proposed. Where barrier easement or improvements to fish pass passage are carried out these are expected to be associated with appropriate site specific monitoring to indicate achievement of Good Ecological Status/Potential under WFD or local fisheries management objectives. (a) (b) ongoing Ensure appropriate provision of river flows. a) Providing an evidence base from which to assess the flow requirements of salmon. MSS has a project investigating the hydraulic requirements of salmon and the transferability of hydraulic suitability data among 11

12 H4: Progress on to Date Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of catchments. This type of information is important for objectively identifying the likely effects of changing flow regime. In addition projects are under way within SEPA to assess the discharge conditions associated with poor and bad ecological status / potential in order prioritise future management action. b) Implementing RBMP process and issue of CAR licenses for abstraction and impoundment where the objective is to maintain / achieve Good Ecological Status / Potential, which will consider salmon as part of the overall process. In addition there will be consideration of salmon flow requirements in the revision of discharge standards under WFD and improvements to WFD fish tools to try and improve detection of ecological problems associated with discharge regime. Improved scientific understanding of habitat requirements for salmon to underpin decision making; Water bodies do not deteriorate from their current status; and Revision of discharge regimes to support GES / GEP or any other alternative WFD objective set within the overall context of affordability and benefits to society. The effectiveness of changing flow regimes will be assessed through regular WFD monitoring. Where fish are the target of the altered flow regime, they will form part of the assessment process. Regular inspections by SEPA staff will be used to assess compliance with licenses and license reviews will be carried out as necessary. (a) (b) ongoing Taking an integrated catchment management approach to reduce the impact of land use. Reductions in diffuse pollution and morphological impacts will be achieved through the controlled activity regulations (CAR) and associated General Binding Rules and adherence to other guidelines such as the forest and water guidelines. GBRs include requirements for buffer strips to reduce fine sediment and nutrient delivery and encourage the growth of riparian vegetation. a) Working with partners to extend range of activities for which SRDP (Scottish Rural Development Programme) 12

13 Progress on to Date Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? funding can be obtained to further reduce morphological and diffuse pollution pressures beyond that prescribed by CAR. Improvements to land management practices and more water bodies meeting Good Ecological Status/Potential, as well as Natura 2000 Protected Area objectives with associated benefits to salmon. Benefits would be obtained within the overall context of affordability and benefits to society. Assessments of Good Ecological Status/Potential under WFD monitoring (including fish where identified as most sensitive biological quality element), as well as Natura 2000 site condition. A range of new indicators are also being developed to improve assessment of fine sediment and morphological impacts. Ongoing 3.3 Provide an update on progress against actions relating to Aquaculture, Introductions and Transfers and Transgenics (Section 4.8 of the Implementation Plan). Note: The reports under Progress on to Date should provide a brief overview with a quantitative measure of progress made. While referring to additional material (e.g. via links to websites) may assist those seeking more detailed information, this will not be evaluated by the Review Group. A1: A2: Description of Progress on to Date Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of Continue to regulate salmonid and freshwater fish stocking in Scottish rivers by implementing and enforcing existing introductions legislation under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation)( Scotland) Act 2003, Wildlife and Countryside Act (Scotland) 1981 and Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act Greater transparency in stocking operations and hatchery management The ASFB Annual Report suggests that they granted 33 consents and reported 38 offences in 2014 whilst MSS granted 2 equivalent consents. Ongoing a) Implementing European Council Regulation No. 708/2007 concerning Use of Alien and Locally Absent Species in Aquaculture. b) Encouraging anglers and other water users to remain vigilant to the risk of non-native species and pathogens, to report sightings and to take biosecurity measures (the 'Check, Clean, Dry' campaign. 13

14 A3: Progress on to Date Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? Description of Containment and/or eradication of undesirable nonnative fish species. Regulation of other fish species. Prevention of G. salaris and other parasites and diseases occurring in Scotland. We are currently working with colleagues across the UK on Gs contingency planning arrangements including a live test of the agreed plan Ongoing The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 aims to ensure that farmed and wild fisheries and their interactions with each other are managed effectively, maximising their combined contribution to supporting sustainable economic growth with due regard to the wider marine environment. The Act includes an enabling power for the Scottish Ministers to make regulations prescribing technical requirements for equipment used for and in connection with fish farming; and which make provision to ensure the requirements are complied with. Work on developing a Technical Standard for equipment is at an advanced stage and regulations will be made in The Ministerial Group on Aquaculture (MGA) was refocused in 2013 to work alongside the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill to secure the sustainability of aquaculture growth, principally with regards to salmon farming, and managing its interactions with the wild fish sector, to enable both sectors to flourish in Scotland. Membership includes aquaculture industry, wild fish interests, Environment NGO and regulators. The main body will be supported by the more focussed and project-based working groups including on Interactions; on Science and Research; an Interactions Working Group and an Improved Containment Working Group. Chairs will provide an update on progress of their groups at the next meeting of MGSA. The technical requirements will further improve containment, minimise the risk of escapes occurring, and ensure installation and deployment of fish farming equipment that is well maintained and appropriate for the site conditions at which the farm operates and minimise the potential for adverse impact on wild salmonids. 14

15 Progress on to Date Current Status of If Completed, has the achieved its objective? MGSA will provide a framework to secure the sustainability of salmon aquaculture growth whilst managing its interactions with the wild fish sector, to enable both sectors to flourish in Scotland. The interactions group will facilitate improvements in the current relationship between the wild and farmed fishing sectors, with a view to establishing closer, productive, cooperative working relationships for the overall benefit of the people of Scotland and the environment. The Scottish Technical Standard is expected to be published in spring Technical requirements regulations including training planned for introduction to Scottish Parliament in MGSA met on 17 November Updates on Working Group progress including on development of STA published on the MGSA section of the Marine Scotland website at: ongoing 4: Additional information required under the Convention 4.1 Details of any laws, regulations and programmes that have been adopted or repealed since the last notification. New statutory conservation measures have been introduced in 2015 to ensure no salmon can be taken prior to 1 April each year. Keys aspects are: The annual close time has been extended until 31 March with fishing by rod and line permitted from the start of the season until 31 March on a catch and release basis. The start of the net fishing season is delayed until 1 April. These measures seek to unpin existing voluntary/statutory measures which restrict fishing further The measures will be reviewed on an annual basis 4.2 Details of any new commitments concerning the adoption or maintenance in force for specified periods of time of conservation, restoration and other management measures. 4.3 Details of any new actions to prohibit fishing for salmon beyond 12 nautical miles. 15

16 4.4 Details of any new actions to invite the attention of States not Party to the Convention to matters relating to the activities of its vessels which could adversely affect salmon stocks subject to the Convention. 4.5 Details of any actions taken to implement regulatory measures under Article 13 of the Convention including imposition of adequate penalties for violations. 16